Plastic Materials Flashcards
What are plastics composed of?
Plastics are polymers, which are macromolecules made up of many smaller repeating units called monomers.
What is polyethylene derived from?
Polyethylene, used in plastic bags, is derived from the ethylene monomer.
What is polystyrene derived from?
Polystyrene, used in disposable cups and plates, originates from the styrene monomer.
What is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) made of?
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), used in items like buckets and plastic doors, consists of vinyl chloride monomers linked together.
What is the primary source for the production of all plastics?
The production of all plastics relies on petroleum.
What is a major concern regarding petroleum reserves?
Petroleum is a finite resource that is projected to be depleted within several decades.
What percentage of extracted petroleum is used for fuel?
A significant portion of extracted petroleum is allocated to the production of petrol and diesel fuel.
Why is exploring alternative monomer sources imperative?
Exploring alternative monomer sources is imperative due to the limited global reserves of petroleum and its significant use in fuel production.
What does it mean for plastics to be non-biodegradable?
Non-biodegradable means that plastics resist bacterial decomposition into simpler chemical constituents, unlike organic matter.
What is a key component of potatoes that can be converted into a plastic-like substance?
Potatoes possess a substantial starch (cellulose) content that can be converted into a plastic-like substance.
What are the limitations of plastic derived from potatoes?
Plastic derived from potatoes exhibits limited durability and strength.
What makes potato-derived plastic suitable for single-use items?
Its susceptibility to bacterial decomposition makes it suitable for manufacturing single-use utensils.
What is the trade name for plastic produced from potatoes?
Plastic derived from potatoes is marketed under the trade name 'Spudware'.
What common materials are being investigated for use in circuit boards?
Composites derived from chicken feathers and soybeans are being investigated for fabricating circuit boards.
What are the advantages of using chicken feather and soybean composites for circuit boards?
These composites demonstrate comparable performance to conventional plastics and offer significant cost reductions.
What is the projected need for feather-bean-based circuit boards?
The proliferation of electronic devices globally will necessitate the mass production of these circuit boards.
What two main ingredients are used in Orangeware production?
Orangeware is produced utilizing orange peels and carbon dioxide.
What component in orange peels is responsible for their scent and can be converted into plastic?
Limonene, found in orange peels, can be converted into a useful plastic.
What is the name of the plastic produced from orange peels and carbon dioxide?
The plastic produced is known as poly-limonene carbonate (PLC).
What is a beneficial environmental aspect of the Orangeware manufacturing process?
The Orangeware manufacturing process is de-polluting because it removes CO2 from the atmosphere.